The first in a string of intimate Rough Trade gigs, Yard Act’s Bristol show set the standard not just for what an intimate gig can look like, but also how high the bar can be raised for a second album. Their sound a little harder, their lyrics more introspective, their stage presence better worn, Yard Act’s ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ is everything their fans wanted, even if it’s a complete left hook to what they expected.
There’s a droning, hard edge on instant classic ‘Fizzy Fish’. With a hollering, howling sound made by a man in aviator glasses so large that his face seems to suit them, and not the other way around, it becomes clear that this is not the Yard Act of yore.
But on ‘Dream Job’ the old slam poet sensibilities of Smith doff their Cooper-Clarke cap. The band run through the songs with the casualness of a sound check and the familiar ease of close friends.
Perhaps part of this newfound comfortability in Smith’s skin comes from the newly mined honesty in the song writing of ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ He asks for requests from his audience on what to play; when someone calls out ‘Down by the Stream’, he smiles, turns them down as easily as one would a pair of aces before play. He tells them it’s too soon; that he can’t remember his entire life by heart just yet.
‘Grifter’s Grief’ and ‘A Vineyard for the North’ still have the improvisational quality of songs that haven’t been played much live, and it’s an exciting, electric thing; it makes you want to bottle the air around you. It’s part of what makes the night feel so intimate, too; a real-time conversation playing out between band and crowd, drawing and re-drawing parameters so slyly that the audience almost forget they paid to be there at all.
They finish the show with two of their best-known songs, ‘Fixer Upper’ and ‘100% Endurance.’ It’s a full circle moment for fans there who’ve loved them desperately from the beginning; tears are spilt, shoulders are leaned on, and Yard Act’s little utopia becomes all ours for an hour.
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.